Richard Tognetti facts for kids

Richard Leo Tognetti, born on August 4, 1965, is a famous Australian musician. He is known around the world for playing the violin by himself, with groups, and as a leader. He also writes and arranges music, and conducts orchestras. He is currently the artistic director and leader of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). He also leads the Festival Maribor in Maribor, Slovenia.

Becoming a Musician

Richard Tognetti was born in Canberra, Australia's capital city. He started playing the violin when he was only four years old! He grew up in Wollongong and learned violin from several teachers, including Harold Brissenden and William Primrose.

Early Studies and Success

When Richard was 11, he was accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium High School. He continued his music studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His teacher there was Alice Waten, who had studied with famous violinists. While at the Conservatorium, Richard became the leader and a soloist for the chamber orchestra. In 1980, he won the National Youth Concerto Competition in Brisbane.

Studying in Europe

In 1987, Richard went to Switzerland to study with Igor Ozim at the Bern Conservatory. During his time there, he joined a well-known group called Camerata Bern. He also performed as a soloist with the Bern Symphony Orchestra. In 1989, he finished his studies and was named the best graduate performer of the year.

Leading the Australian Chamber Orchestra

When Richard Tognetti returned to Australia in 1989, he was chosen to lead the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). This was a big achievement for someone who was only 25 years old! In 2020, he celebrated 30 years of leading the orchestra.

ACO's Global Reputation

Under Richard's leadership, the ACO has become one of the best chamber orchestras in the world. They travel around Australia several times a year, performing in cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. They also perform at many Australian arts festivals.

The ACO also tours overseas regularly. They have played in famous concert halls in the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. Some of these include the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Music critics have praised the orchestra, with one calling them "the best chamber orchestra on earth."

Richard Tognetti: Performer and Creator

Richard Tognetti is a very skilled violinist. He can play music from many different time periods, from the old Baroque style to modern pieces. Critics often describe him as a passionate and exciting violinist.

His Violins and Compositions

Richard uses different violins for different types of music. His main violin is a special 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin, which he borrows from an anonymous owner. He also plays modern and electric instruments.

Richard has also written and arranged music. For example, in 1999, he worked with Australian rock musician Iva Davies to create "The Ghost of Time." This piece was for electric violin and orchestra and was performed for a global millennium broadcast. He also helped create music for the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Richard has made documentaries like Musica Surfica, which is about music and his hobby of surfing. This film won an award at the New York Surf Film Festival in 2008.

Collaborations and Other Performances

Richard has worked with many other musicians, including Oud player Joseph Tawadros. Their album Concerto of the Greater Sea won an ARIA Award for Best World Music Album in 2012. He has also performed with many other orchestras around the world and with musicians from different music styles. In 2003, he performed with accordionist James Crabb at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup. In 2001, he conducted an opera for the first time at the Sydney Festival.

Recordings

Richard Tognetti has made many recordings as a soloist. These include violin concertos by famous composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Vivaldi. He has also recorded Bach's solo violin pieces.

He has also recorded many works leading or conducting the ACO with other international musicians. These recordings include piano concertos with Stephen Kovacevich and flute concertos with Emmanuel Pahud. In 2000, he worked with rock singer Peter Garrett and cartoonist Michael Leunig on a recording of Saint-Saëns's The Carnival of the Animals.

Personal Life

Richard Tognetti was first married to Susie Roberts, and they had a son named Leonardo in 2002. They later divorced. He is now married to violinist Satu Vänskä, who is also the assistant leader of the ACO. Richard has a brother named Simon Tognetti, who is an Arts teacher.

Awards and Recognition

Richard Tognetti has received many awards and honors for his contributions to music.

Honorary Degrees

In 1997, he received an honorary Doctor of Creative Arts degree from the University of Wollongong. He was the youngest person ever to receive this award from that university. He also received honorary Doctor of Music degrees from the University of Western Australia in 2003 and the University of Sydney in 2005.

National Living Treasure

In 1999, Richard Tognetti was named a National Living Treasure. This award is given by the National Trust of Australia based on popular public votes.

Officer of the Order of Australia

On Australia Day in 2010, Richard was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. This honor recognized his leadership of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, his skill as a violinist, and his work in creating educational programs for children. It also acknowledged his support for new artists and his contributions to charities.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are annual awards that celebrate excellence in Australian music. Richard Tognetti has won several ARIA Awards:

• 1993: Best Classical Album for Janáček: Kreutzer Sonata for Strings, Barber: Adagio for Strings, Walton: Sonata for Strings (with ACO)
• 2006: Best Classical Album for Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin
• 2007: Best Classical Album for Bach Violin Concertos (with ACO)
• 2008: Best Classical Album for Bach Sonatas for Violin & Keyboard (with Neal Peres Da Costa & Daniel Yeadon)
• 2020: Best Classical Album for Beethoven & Mozart Violin Sonatas (with Erin Helyard)
• 2022: Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album for River (with ACO)
• 2023: Best Classical Album for Indies & Idols (with ACO)

Other Awards

Richard Tognetti has also received other important awards, including:

• The Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award in 2005 for his outstanding contribution to music in Australia.
• The JC Williamson Award at the Helpmann Awards in 2017, which is a top honor for live entertainment in Australia.
• Three "Mo Awards" for Classical Performance of the Year in 1992, 1993, and 1994.

See also

In Spanish: Richard Tognetti para niños